An alternative Christmas

We're getting to this time of year when pressure is on to spend, spend, spend...

At a time when many people are struggling, are worried about losing their job or are unemployed, it might be worth rethinking about spending money on presents for Christmas. So how can we offer nice presents without breaking the bank?

I think we should move away from this consumerism culture, forget the luxury watch, the expensive perfume or the latest computer game - why not give your TIME? Ok get a small present to be opened on Christmas day but mainly give a couple of hours of your free time.

Giving time and effort might seem more difficult than buying something when there is plenty of cash around, however if you're trying to offer a worthwhile present without suffering financially, then change the attitude. This could help your relationship, providing an opportunity to bond again and relax with your loved ones.

For example, buy a massage accessory and offer to massage your loved one with it. Take your disabled mother round the lake or down to the woods to smell the fresh air. Build a birds table with your elderly relative so they can enjoy bird watching from their window. Offer to babysit for your friend while she has her hair done (and vice versa!).

It might be more difficult for children to accept this change, mainly if they still believe in Father Christmas/Santa.
However, teenagers could really enjoy it. For example, take your nephews to a frozen lake or to free museums where they can touch and experience new things. Make it fun and they'll soon forget their video games!

I remember taking my son and his cousin to the Lake District (UK) in the coldest of winters. We could not even drive off the main roads as the small roads were too icy. Instead we walked around and challenged them to climb up a small hill. Well they never had so much fun, going up a little and sliding down on their bottom, then walking up again a bit more and sliding down. Finally getting to the top of the hill with their faces gleaming with pride!

Am I the only one thinking this way or do you agree?
Share your thoughts with me and share your ideas for a truely beautifull Christmas!

Hand Reflexology v Foot Reflexology

In this blog I focus mainly on foot reflexology. However it is worth having a look at hand reflexology. The principles and techniques are very similar, it's just the position of the reflex points and the handling which differ. 

Hand reflexology might be useful when a person has health problems with their feet (local infection , broken foot...) or is very ticklish! It's also more practical if you want to practice in public with friends or family.

I've reviewed an article from Teresa Rich who is an advanced reflexology trainer (01202 295910). She also sells training DVDs published by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (www.reflexology-uk.org). Here are some of the differences between hand and foot reflexology she mentioned in the article:

"Our hands are of the upmost importance when it comes to touching, sensing and communicating with others. Perhaps this is why they have such a powerful role in the healing process, whether they are providing a treatment - or indeed, receiving one. Hand reflexology is a very simple yet effective therapy that most clients find pleasant and deeply relaxing. Although some consider it to be the poor relation of foot reflexology, hand reflexology is often more convenient and can be just as effective as its sister therapy.

"It is true that the reflexes are much deeper in the hands and therefore more pressure is required in order to produce the same results as foot reflexology. However, if a gentler treatment is desirable for a particular client, then hand reflexology may be more preferable to foot reflexology as it is generally considered less powerful."

Here is Teresa's description of a treatment session:

"A treatment typically begins with a five-minute massage of the right hand, which includes effleurage, wrist rotations, thumb rotations and knuckle kneading. This is then followed by a 25-minute reflexology routine, where the therapist works the following:

- The neurological system/skeletal system/muscular system;

- Head;

- Arm and shoulder;

- Spine;

- Pelvic area;

- Cardiovascular/lymphatic system;

- Digestive system;

- Reproductive system;

- Urinay system;

- Endocrine system.

The treatment is then concluded with a five-minute routine and all of the above is repeated on the left hand."

Here are some of the benefits outlined in the article:

"As well as improving circulation and well-being, the therapy is said to:

- Benefit conditions that typically affect the hands and wrists, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI;

- Aid recovery from hand injury;

- Help maintain manual dexterity;

- Rejuvenate overused or tired hands.

Many reflexologists have also found that hand reflexology is particularly useful if the client has an injured foot, an infection - such as athlete's foot - ticklish feet, or does not like their feet being touched. It is found that most people can cope with having their hands touched as this is common occurrence in everyday life.

Reflexologists who are presented with a local contraindication on the foot, such as an ingrown toe nail, or who want to reinforce their work on a particular reflex found on the foot, may find it useful to work the corresponding reflexes on the hand towards the end of their treatment."

Reflexology book review

Happy New Year! 

So what are your resolutions for the new year? Looking to improve your life? Wanting to take a new direction?

I have an amazing ebook that could bring all this to you! I've been working on it for a while and it is now ready for download. 

The Step By Step Reflexology Manual covers all the aspects of this wonderful natural therapy, from the preparation stage to the actual reflexology moves required for each body system. 

This ebook is suitable for a complete beginner, it's also the perfect guide for a health professional wanting to discover another therapy.  

Fully illustrated, this manual guides you along with comprehensive instructions so you are able to learn how to work the reflex points. It also contains useful relaxation techniques to relax the feet before the actual reflexology treatment.

Working the reflex points of the feet can help reduce stress, improve health and bring the body back into balance. Stress is at the root of many illnesses and complaints. Reflexology is well known for its relaxation benefits and its positive impact on health and well-being.

So don't hesitate and give yourself the chance to acquire a new skill. 

Who knows, it could be the start of a new career, encouraging your to take up a course to become a fully trained reflexologist!

Find out more on the Reflexology site